Read the passage below and then choose the best answer to each question. Answer the questions on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.
Passage
The first known use of the term "America" to refer to land in the Western Hemisphere comes from a world map produced in 1507 by German cartographer Martin Waldseemueller. A book accompanying the map explained that the term came from "Amerigo the discoverer"-a reference to Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian who had traveled to the east coast of what is now South America in the early 1500s. But Waldseemueller appears to have had second thoughts about the term "America." In an atlas he published in 1513, the land formerly called "America" was labeled Terra Incognita (unknown land).
Why is the phrase "Amerigo the discoverer" (sentence 2) placed in quotation marks?
- A. To show that it is important
- B. To indicate that it is a direct quotation from a book
- C. To question whether Vespucci really discovered America
- D. To highlight the differences between the map and the book
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The phrase "Amerigo the discoverer" is placed in quotation marks to indicate that it is a direct quotation from a book, reflecting the specific wording used by the author. This helps readers recognize that the phrase is not the writer's own interpretation but a citation from another source. Option A is incorrect because quotation marks do not inherently signify importance. Option C misinterprets the purpose of the quotation marks, as they do not imply skepticism about Vespucci's discovery. Option D is also inaccurate, as the quotation marks focus on the phrase itself rather than any differences between a map and a book.
The phrase "Amerigo the discoverer" is placed in quotation marks to indicate that it is a direct quotation from a book, reflecting the specific wording used by the author. This helps readers recognize that the phrase is not the writer's own interpretation but a citation from another source. Option A is incorrect because quotation marks do not inherently signify importance. Option C misinterprets the purpose of the quotation marks, as they do not imply skepticism about Vespucci's discovery. Option D is also inaccurate, as the quotation marks focus on the phrase itself rather than any differences between a map and a book.
Other Related Questions
The author of Passage 2 would most likely say that the opinion held by the "people" mentioned in the third sentence of Passage 1 ("Some people have declared") is
- A. accurate
- B. unsupported
- C. misguided
- D. amusing
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The opinion held by the "people" in Passage 1 is deemed accurate, as the author of Passage 2 likely aligns with the sentiment expressed. This suggests a shared understanding or validation of the viewpoint. Option B, "unsupported," is incorrect because the author likely provides evidence or reasoning that bolsters the opinion. Option C, "misguided," does not align with the author's perspective, which would not characterize the opinion as erroneous. Option D, "amusing," is inappropriate as it trivializes the opinion rather than acknowledging its validity.
The opinion held by the "people" in Passage 1 is deemed accurate, as the author of Passage 2 likely aligns with the sentiment expressed. This suggests a shared understanding or validation of the viewpoint. Option B, "unsupported," is incorrect because the author likely provides evidence or reasoning that bolsters the opinion. Option C, "misguided," does not align with the author's perspective, which would not characterize the opinion as erroneous. Option D, "amusing," is inappropriate as it trivializes the opinion rather than acknowledging its validity.
According to scientists, the seven separate continents of the world, in the far distant past, one vast land mass.
- A. the world, in the far distant past
- B. the world, being in the far distant past
- C. the world were, in the far distant past
- D. the world was, in the far distant past
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.
Option D accurately uses the verb "was," which agrees with the singular subject "the world." This structure clearly conveys that, historically, the continents formed one vast land mass. Option A lacks a verb, making it an incomplete thought. Option B incorrectly uses "being," which is not suitable in this context and disrupts the sentence's clarity. Option C uses "were," which does not agree with the singular subject and creates confusion about the subject-verb relationship. Thus, D is the only option that maintains grammatical correctness and clarity.
Apart from being a basic requirement for plant life, the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain.
- A. the propagation of some plant species is also helped by rain
- B. some plant species are also helped by rain to propagate them
- C. rain also helps in the propagation of some plant species
- D. it is also helpful for the propagation of some plant species to have rain
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C clearly states that rain helps in the propagation of some plant species, maintaining a straightforward structure that emphasizes the relationship between rain and propagation. Option A, while accurate, is less clear due to its passive construction, which can lead to ambiguity about what is being helped. Option B awkwardly phrases the relationship, suggesting that rain helps to propagate the plants rather than directly stating its role in the process. Option D complicates the message by using a more convoluted structure, making it less direct and harder to understand. Clarity and conciseness are essential in effectively conveying the idea.
Option C clearly states that rain helps in the propagation of some plant species, maintaining a straightforward structure that emphasizes the relationship between rain and propagation. Option A, while accurate, is less clear due to its passive construction, which can lead to ambiguity about what is being helped. Option B awkwardly phrases the relationship, suggesting that rain helps to propagate the plants rather than directly stating its role in the process. Option D complicates the message by using a more convoluted structure, making it less direct and harder to understand. Clarity and conciseness are essential in effectively conveying the idea.
What is the passage primarily discussing?
- A. The achievement of Richard Pearse
- B. The problems of early airplanes
- C. The first flight in the United States
- D. The history of long-distance flight
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
The passage primarily discusses the achievement of Richard Pearse, highlighting his significant contributions to aviation. His pioneering efforts are central to the narrative, showcasing his innovations and milestones. Option B focuses on the problems of early airplanes, which, while relevant, does not capture the primary focus on Pearse's accomplishments. Option C mentions the first flight in the United States, a separate historical event that is not the main topic of the passage. Option D addresses the broader history of long-distance flight, which encompasses many figures and events, but does not specifically center on Pearse's individual achievements.
The passage primarily discusses the achievement of Richard Pearse, highlighting his significant contributions to aviation. His pioneering efforts are central to the narrative, showcasing his innovations and milestones. Option B focuses on the problems of early airplanes, which, while relevant, does not capture the primary focus on Pearse's accomplishments. Option C mentions the first flight in the United States, a separate historical event that is not the main topic of the passage. Option D addresses the broader history of long-distance flight, which encompasses many figures and events, but does not specifically center on Pearse's individual achievements.